Research at the Max Planck Institutes

(abbreviated to MPS) is one of the world’s leading research organisations. It has some 86 (MPI) in Germany and abroad that conduct basic research within the life sciences, natural sciences, biodiversity and the humanities and social sciences. The Society was named after the famous physicist .

What are the Max Planck Institutes famous for?

The Max Planck Institutes (MPI) are well-known for their many important scientific discoveries. They have for instance decisively contributed to findings in quantum mechanics, relativity theory and biotechnology.

Academics, and researchers in the institutes (MPI) work on projects in an interdisciplinary manner, often with international . They and the Max Planck Society have been awarded more than 30 Nobel Prizes for their research.

Research is conducted into:

• Quantum physics
• Neuroscience
• Genetics and cell biology
• Climate research
• Social and behavioural science

Who owns the Max Planck Society?


The Max Planck Society is a non-profit research organisation. This means that it conducts research independently, does not belong to any person or institution and is mainly financed by public funds from the federal government and the federal states as well as third party project funding from business and private foundations.